2016

Please note that the sightings below do not reflect the variety of species you can see in a normal day out birding or wildlife watching. These reports concentrate on more unusual species or significant counts or movements.

30th April:

South Uist: 1,800 Golden Plover and 35 Whimbrel were on the Range at West Gerinish this morning. 2 singing Chiffchaffs and a Siskin were at North Loch Eynort.

Barra: A Grasshopper Warbler was singing at Brevig and 10 Pink-footed Geese were at Eoligarry.

29th April:

Lewis: A White-billed Diver was off Skigersta this afternoon. A female Hen Harrier was near Luirbost.

South Uist: 11 Great Skuas flew north at Ardvule this morning and a pair of Pintail were on Loch Ardvule.

South Uist: A juvenile Iceland Gull was at the ferry terminal in Eriskay. A Wryneck was in Bornish.

Barra: The White-billed Diver was off Eoligarry Pier along with 4 Little Terns. 130 Black-tailed Godwits flew high north over Ardmhor. A Common Redpoll and Blackcap were at Brevig. 2 Chiffchaffs were at Cuithir. A Sandwich Tern flew north past Vatersay where there was 57 Long-tailed Ducks offshore.

Marine Sightings: A Basking Shark was off Eoligarry Pier this morning.

27th April:

Lewis: The Black Kite was seen just south of the Luirbost turning again this afternoon at 15:30 and 17:00, around the conifer plantation just south of the medical pratice.

South Uist: 8 Great Skuas and 3 Arctic Terns flew north at Ardvule this morning while 9 Whimbrel were also present. A flock of 37 Black-tailed Godwits were on Bornish machair. A Chiffchaff was in South Glendale. A Grasshopper Warbler was singing at East Kilbride. A Chiffchaff and 20 Goldfinch were at North Loch Eynort.

Barra: A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Craigston. 3 Common Redpolls, a Blackcap and 4 Chiffchaffs were at Brevig.

Redwing (John Kemp)

26th April:

Lewis: A Black Kite was seen at Liurbost from the A859, just south of the A858 junction this evening.

Barra: The White-billed Diver was off Eoligarry The 2nd winter Iceland Gull was off Cleat. A few Whimbrel and 3 Whooper Swans were on Vatersay.

25th April:

Lewis: A late report of a white Gyr Falcon was from the main road north of Borve, heading towards Cross yesterday. A 2nd winter Glaucous Gull, 100 Long-tailed Ducks and a Swallow were at Loch Branahuie this morning.

South Uist: 14 Great Skuas and an Arctic Skua flew north at Ardvule this morning. Other species present included an Iceland Gull (1st wint), 10 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 11 Whimbrel as well as 49 Black-tailed Godwits on Bornish machair. A male Black Redstart was in South Glendale. A Willow Warbler, 3 Goldfinch and a Linnet were at Carnan.

Barra: An immature Iceland Gull was off Cleat and another flew north past Brevig in the evening.

Black Redstart and Great Skua (John Kemp)

24th April:

Lewis: 2 White-billed Divers were present off Skigersta this morning and 4 Whimbrel flew north-west there. A Swallow was in Port of Ness and around 120 Pink-footed Geese dropped into the Loch Stiapabhat area. 15 Whimbrel and 6 Black-tailed Godwits were at the Butt whilst over 1,000 Golden Plover were at Eoropie. Cuckoos were seen at Ravenspoint and Lemreway. Also 50 Wheatears were seen bewteen Gravir and Lemreway.

South Uist: A couple of Little Terns were at the north end of Loch Bee. 2 Great Skuas, 1 Arctic Skua and 3 Puffins flew north at Ardvule this morning. Also present were 8 Whimbrel and 35 White Wagtails. 37 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Gadwall and 4 White Wagtails were on Bornich machair, whilst 13 Sand Martins were over Loch Bornish. At Smerclate 10 White Wagtails and a Whimbrel while the Hawfinch still in South Glendale.

Barra: The White-billed Diver was still of Eoligarry. The juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Craigston. 5 Pink-footed Geese were at Tangusdale. A Ring Ouzel was at Ardmhor.

Whimbrel and White Wagtail (John Kemp)

23rd April:

Lewis: 200 Long-tailed Ducks and 3 Swallows were at Loch Branahuie. 1,000 Golden Plover were on the machair at Eoropie and a Blackcap was in Fivepenny. A female Goosander and drake Gadwall were on Loch Ordais.

Harris: 2 drake Surf Scoters were in the Sound of Taransay.

South Uist: 2 Great Skuas and 4 Whimbrel flew north at Ardvule this morning. 14 Black-tailed Godwits were on Bornish machair. The Hawfinch and 11 Goldfinch were in South Glendale.

Marine Sightings: A Minke Whale was close in off Tiumpan Head around midday.

Hawfinch (John Kemp); Great Northern Diver (Steve Duffield)

22nd April:

North Uist: A Chiffchaff was in Carinish today.

South Uist: A Hawfinch and Ring Ouzel were in South Glendale in the morning and 2 Siskins in the afternoon. At Ardvule had 2 Arctic Skuas and 4 Whimbrel fly north and with a further 6 Whimbrel and 4 White Wagtails present. At Smerclate a Pale-bellied Brent, 1 Great Skua and 3 Little Terns flew north while 6 White Wagtails were present.

Barra: The White-billed Diver was off Eoligarry again and the 1st winter American Herring Gull was at Garrygall. Common Sandpipers were at Brevig and a Blackcap was also present. Good numbers of Willow Warblers were around the island and a large fall of Wheatears involved several hundred birds. 15 White Wagtails were at Brevig and 10 were on Vatersay.

Hawfinch (John Kemp)

21st April:

Lewis: 350 Pink-footed Geese were at Eoropie and 70 flew north-west at the Butt early morning. 18 Black-tailed Godwits were at Fivepenny and 1,200 Golden Plover were in the area.

North Uist: At least 78 Black-tailed Godwits and a Whimbrel were on Baleshare; also lots of White Wagtails and Meadow Pipits around the island.

Benbecula: 190 Black-tailed Godwits were on Coot Loch along with 10 Swallows, 9 Gadwall and a female Pochard. 2 Swallows were also seen in Balivanich this afternoon.

South Uist: A Corncrake was calling at Eochar this evening.

Barra: The White-billed Diver was off Eoligarry Pier again this morning. The American Herring Gull was at Garrygall again today; also a Grasshopper Warbler there. 21 Brent Geese were at Eoligarry and several Corncrakes were around the island.

Mallard, Wheatear and White Wagtail (Steve Duffield)

20th April:

Lewis: A White-billed Diver was off Skigersta again. A Snow Bunting was at the Butt. A Swallow was in Barvas.

North Uist: At least 3 Common Terns and a Little Tern were on the North Ford off Carinish.

South Uist: A Swallow was at Carnan this evening whilst at least 25 Redwings and a Water Rail were also present

Barra: The American Herring Gull was showing well at Garrygall today and the White-billed Diver was still off Eoligarry jetty. The juvenile Glaucous Gull is still at Allasdale. 5 Little Terns, 2 Sandwich Terns, 2 Arctic Terns, 1 Whimbrel and a Swallow were also at Eoligarry. At least 6 Chiffchaffs singing around the island and good numbers of Willow Warblers.

19th April:

Lewis: 120 Pink-footed Geese and 9 Barnacle Geese flew north-west over the Butt this morning where there were 7 Whimbrel and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. 5 Whooper Swans were at Fivepenny. 2 White-billed Divers were off Skigersta and 7 Whimbrel flew north.

North Uist: 150+ Barnacle Geese and a Little Tern flew over the machair at Balemore this morning; also a Sand Martin present. At least 1,000 Barnacle Geese were at Griminish.

Marine Sightings: A Basking Shark was off Skigersta this afternoon.

18th April:

Lewis: A Glaucous Gull and Whimbrel were at the Butt. A 3rd winter Iceland Gull was at Loch Branahuie.

North Uist: 13 Bonxies and 2 Whimbrel flew north at Aird an Runair this morning whilst a drake Green-winged Teal was on Loch a' Roe. A Willow Warbler was at Clachan.

Benbecula: 14 Black-tailed Godwits were at Loch Mor.

South Uist: At least 40 Black-tailed Godwits were at the north end of Loch Bee this morning along with 2 Pintail. 2 Chiffchaffs and a few Willow Warblers were at North Loch Eynort. 4 Great Skuas, 3 Common Scoter and 3 Whimbrel past Ardvule this morning. Also 80 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Pintail on Bornish machair as well as 3 Sand Martins this afternoon. Around 40 pale-bellied Brent Geese were in the north bay at Ardvule this afternoon.

Barra: A Little Tern, 3 Sandwich Terns and a Whimbrel were at Eoligarry today.

Bonxie (John Kemp); White-tailed Eagle (Mary Lewis)

17th April:

Lewis: A Willow Warbler was singing at Sandwick today.

North Uist: Seawatching at Aird an Runair (09:00 - 12:00) produced 18 Bonxies and 1 Pomarine Skua heading north. 2 Snow Buntings and a couple of White Wagtails were also in the area. A 1st yr Glaucous Gull flew south along the beach at Balranald and a 2nd yr was on the machair there. The Great White Egret was at Loch nam Feithean.

South Uist: Ardvule this morning (06:25 – 10:30) there was a northerly passage included 182 Gannets, 506 Fulmars and 10 Great Skuas. Bornish machair had 2 Pintail and 7 Shoveler. A Water Rail was at Carnan.

Barra: The 1st winter American Herring Gull was again at Garrygall. The juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Allasdale. The White-billed Diver was off Eoligarry Pier and 12 Whooper Swans flew north-west there.

16th April:

Lewis: An immature Glaucous Gull was at the Butt.

Sound of Harris: An Arctic Tern was seen today.

South Uist: 58 Black-tailed Godwits were at Locn an't-Saile. 3 Goldfinch were at Carnan.

Barra: The 1st winter American Herring Gull was at Garrygall again this afternoon. A Grey Wagtail was at Brevig (with a Fieldfare there late last night) and 5 Pink-footed Geese were at Borve.

15th April:

Lewis: A Great Tit was at Eoropie.

North Uist: The Great White Egret is still at Loch nam Feithean.

South Uist: 132 Gannets, 127 Fulmars, 15 Barnacle Geese, 2 Pale-bellied Brent, 14 Pintail, 8 Wigeon, 29 Teal, 4 Common Scoter, 61 Redshank and 22 Snipe flew north at Ardvule this morning; although many more waders and ducks were seen further out to sea, where they were unidentifiable due to haze. 4 Gadwall were on Loch Ardvule and 13 Black-tailed Godwits were on Bornish machair. 2 Sand Martins were behind the Daliburgh Co-op. 9 Goldfinch were in South Glendale.

Barra: The White-billed Diver was off Eoligarry Pier late this afternoon and the juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Allasdale.

Brent Geese, Pintail and Wigeon (John Kemp)

14th April:

Lewis: A Great Tit was at Eoropie.

South Uist: 4 White-fronted Geese were at Balgarva and a Brambling was in a garden nearby. 692 Barnacle Geese, 1 Pale-bellied Brent and 2 Great Skuas flew north at Ardvule while 13 Black-tailed Godwits were on Bornish machair.

Barra: The 1st winter American Herring Gull was at Craigston and a juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Allasdale. The White-billed Diver was off Eoligarry Pier again. 5 Pink-footed Geese were at Borve and 10 were at Eoligarry. 2 Sandwich Terns were also off Eoligarry where 225 Barnacle Geese were seen heading off to the north-west.

Insects: Several Green-veined Whites were seen around Barra and a Small Tortoiseshell was was at Glen.

Marine Sightings: 5 Bottle-nosed Dolphins swam north at Ardvule this morning. 20 Common Dolphins and 10 Risso's Dolphins were off Port of Ness in the evening.

Brent with Barnacle Geese and Bottle-nosed Dolphins (John Kemp)

13th April:

South Uist: A Willow Warbler, 6 Goldfinch and 2 Common Redpolls were in South Glendale today.

Barra: The 1st winter American Herring Gull was at Garrygall and the White-billed Diver was seen about 40m off Eoligarry Pier.

Common Redpoll and Goldfinch (John Kemp)

12th April:

Lewis: 6,000 geese were seen from the Butt over the Minch, heading north-westwards between 08:00 - 09:10. Of these only 100 could be identified and were Pink-footed Geese. 2 juvenile Iceland Gulls were in Stornoway Harbour this afternoon.

South Uist: A hybrid Glaucous x Herring Gull was on Bornish machair. 2 Common Redpolls were in South Glendale.

Barra: The juvenile Glaucous Gull is still at Allasdale. 5 Pink-footed Geese were with Greylags at Borve. There was a thin scattering of Willow Warblers, Redwings and Goldcrests around the island.

Insects: 39 Hebrew Characters, 5 Red Chestnut, an Early Grey, an Emperor Moth and single micros Acleris hyemana and Caloptilia elongella were trapped in South Glendale last night. 28 Hebrew Characters, a Red Chestnut and a Clouded Drab were caught at North Loch Eynort.

Lewis: A Glaucous Gull was in Stornoway Harbour. 1,300 grey geese passed north-west off the Butt in the morning of which at least 500 were Pink-footed Geese. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was in Ness and a Black-tailed Godwit was at Loch Stiapabhat.

Barra: The 1st winter American Herring Gull was at Garrygall again around midday.

Insects: 2 Small Tortioseshells were in South Glendale and a Peacock butterfly was on Eriskay.

Peacock, Peregrine and White Wagtail (John Kemp)

10th April:

Lewis: A juvenile Glaucous Gull was in Ness.

North Uist: The Great White Egret is still at Loch nam Feithean and 2 Glaucous Gulls were also in the area.

South Uist: A Chiffchaff and 12 Redwings were in South Glendale whilst 74 Barnacle Geese flew north there first thing this morning. Off Ardvule this morning there was a northerly passage of 14 Whooper Swans, 10 Greylag Geese, 130 Greenland Whitefronts, 69 Pink-footed Geese, 2,647 Barnacle Geese and 5 Common Scoters.

Barra: Around 600 Pink-footed Geese flew north-west over the island. 25 Whooper Swans were on the sea off Earsary. A Willow Warbler and Swallow were at Eoligarry. A Chiffchaff was in Castlebay and 2 were in North Bay.

Insects: A Small Tortoiseshell was in South Glendale and another was at Carnan.

Lewis: A Brambling was in Barvas today. An immature Iceland Gull flew north past Port of Ness in the afternoon and 3 Snow Buntings were at the Butt.

North Uist: The Gyr Falcon was on the east side of Loch na Reivil this morning before flying north-westwards. The Great White Egret was on Loch nam Feithean and a juvenile Glaucous Gull was near the visitor centre. 85 Brent Geese flew north at Baleshare this morning and 180 Barnacle Geese flew high north over the Committee Road around midday. 170 White-fronted Geese and 150 Barnacle Geese flew north at Loch Paible where an immature Iceland Gull was also present.

South Uist: 41 Whooper Swans, 111 Barnacle Geese, 2 Great Skuas and 3 Manx Shearwaters flew north at Ardvule this morning; a 1st winter Iceland Gull was also present.

Barra: The 1st winter American Herring Gull was back at Garrygall this afternoon. 200 Barnacle Geese flew north-west over Ardmhor this morning and another 2 flocks of around 100 flew north-west over Vatersay this afternoon. 32 Whooper Swans flew north-west over the island. 4 Chiffchaffs were at Cuithir. A Sandwich Tern and 2 Slavonian Grebes were off Eoligarry with another 2 Slavonian Grebes off Ardmhor ferry terminal.

North Uist: The Gyr Falcon was seen from the visitor centre at Balranald looking towards the cemetery and the Great White Egret was at the west end of Loch nam Feithean. 8 White-fronted Geese flew north over Carinish this morning.

South Uist: A 1st winter Iceland Gull was at Ardvule.

Barra: The juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Allasdale. 2 Sandwich Terns were at Traigh Mor. A Chiffchaff was singing at North Bay. 12 Whooper Swans flew north-west over Eoligarry and a Slavonian Grebe was off-shore.

Insects: 31 Hebrew Characters, an Early Grey and an Agonopterix yeatiana were caught in South Glendale last night.

Iceland Gull, Meadow Pipit and Early Grey (John Kemp)

7th April:

Lewis: A drake Green-winged Teal was on Loch Stiapabhat. A Juvenile Glaucous Gull was near the Butt.

North Uist: The Great White Egret is still at the west end of Loch nam Feithean. 6 Greenland White-fronted Geese flew north at Balemore and an immature Glaucous Gull was on the machair south of Loch Paible. The Gyr Falcon was seen this evening to the north of Loch nam Feithean.

South Uist: A 1st winter Iceland Gull was at Ardvule and 3 Bonxies flew north there this morning.

Barra: The 1st winter American Herring Gull was near Castlebay again today.

Great Skua (John Kemp)

6th April:

Lewis: The drake Green-winged Teal and a Water Rail were at Loch Stiapabhat. 50 Redwings were at Knockaird whilst 20 Redwings and a Goldcrest were at the Butt lighthouse with 26 Greylag Geese over heading north.

North Uist: 3 Pomarine Skuas and 2 Arctic Skuas flew north off Aird an Runair this morning.

Benbecula: 10 Black-tailed Godwits were at Coot Loch.

Barra: The 1st winter American Herring Gull was at Garrygall. 100 Long-tailed Ducks were off Traigh Hamara.

Green-winged Teal (Tony Marr)

5th April:

North Uist: The Gyr Falcon is near Loch na Reivil again this morning.

Barra: The 1st winter American Herring Gull was at Garrygall again mid-afternoon. 3 Great Skuas and 2 Slavonian Grebe were off Eoligarry and another Great Skua was off Brevig. Also 2 Manx Shearwaters and a Whimbrel at Brevig.

Insects: 20 Hebrew Characters were trapped at North Loch Eynort last night whilst 20 Hebrew Characters and an Emperor Moth were caught in South Glendale. A Small Tortoiseshell was in Castlebay, Barra today.

Emperor Moth, Golden Eagle and Wheatear (John Kemp)

4th April:

Lewis: A drake Ring-necked Duck was on Loch na Hinghinn, Park today. 3 White-billed Divers were off Skigersta. A Chiffchaff was in Port of Ness and a Snow Bunting and a Bonxie were seen at the Butt.

Harris: A 2nd winter Glaucous Gull was at Seilebost.

North Uist: The Gyr Falcon was on the hillside east of Loch Grogarry this morning and by Loch na Reivil in the afternoon. The Great White Egret was at the west end of Loch nam Feithean.

South Uist: 2 Fieldfare were at Loch Carnan and a Chiffchaff was in South Glendale.

Barra: The American herring Gull was still around Castlebay today. The White-billed Diver was again off of Eoligarry jetty. A juvenile Glaucous Gull is still at Allasdale. A Chiffchaff was at Cuithir. 3 Great Skuas were off of Leinis. c50 Redwings were at Garrygall. 49 Long-tailed Ducks were off of Traigh Hamara and another 28 were off of Tangasdale.

3rd April:

North Uist: The Great White Egret and drake Green-winged Teal were at the west end of Loch nam Feithean. A 1st winter Glaucous Gull was on Loch Hosta. A Pink-footed Goose was at Malaclate and a Greenland White-front was on Baleshare.

Barra: The 1st winter American Herring Gull has returned to Garrgall. 2 Rooks were in Castlebay. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Allasdale and 2 Slavonian Grebe were off Eoligarry.

2nd April:

Lewis: 2 White-billed Divers were off Skigersta in the evening; also 2 Snow Buntings on the clifftop there. 2 Greenland White-fronted Geese, 2 juvenile Iceland Gulls and a Water Rail were at Loch Stiapabhat. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at the Butt whilst 18 Greylags flew north-west over there in the morning and 28 Pink-footed Geese came in from the east.

North Uist: The Gyr Falcon was still showing well by Loch na Reivil this morning. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was also in the area and the Great White Egret is at Loch nam Feithean. An immature Little Gull was at Balranald and 5 Greenland White-fronted Geese were near the visitor centre this evening. 13 Greenland White-fronts were at Malaclate.

South Uist: 96 Whooper Swans (in 3 flocks) flew north-west over Loch Carnan this morning and 23 landed on a loch to the east. 50 Barnacle Geese flew north over Smerclate this morning. A 1st winter Iceland Gull was in fields opposite Orosay. 35 Redwings were in South Glendale.

Barra: The White-billed Diver was off Eoligarry pier again today.

Redwing (John Kemp); Gyr Falcon (Steve Duffield)

1st April:

Lewis: An immature Iceland Gull was on the Braighe. 26 Greenland White-fronted Geese were at Eoropie and 100+ Redwings were between there and Lionel.

North Uist: The Great White Egret is still at the west end of Loch nam Feithean. 13 Greenland White-fronted Geese and a Pink-footed Goose were at Malaclate. The Gyr Falcon was back feeding on the dead swan by Loch na Reivil this afternoon. 15 Snow Buntings were at Aird an Runair.

South Uist: 138 Fulmars and 82 Gannets flew south at Ardvule this morning. 2 1st winter Iceland Gulls and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull were also at Ardvule.